TEN CORPORATE TIPS FOR A NEW HIRE

Last week, my nephew called me. (In proper English description, he will be called my first cousin once removed. How tedious!) Well, the young lad called me excitedly to share his good news; he had received an employment offer from a big and highly reputable organisation. He is going in as an assistant executive and he asked me if there are tips that I know would help him navigate the corporate space smartly. So, I am going to share the tips that I gave him.

My first charge is that the corporate environment is not like the educational institution where all you need is intelligence and diligence to shine brightly. The corporate world is a dynamic environment that blends professionalism, strategic thinking and creativity, people management, and hot, sometimes vicious, ambition. Often, the credits and promotions do not go to the most hardworking or even the most intelligent; they go to the one who is smartly visible in the right places at the right time. So, it isn’t just about crisp shirts and sharp suits or excellent PowerPoint presentations (these ones matter a lot too), it’s about learning how to contribute meaningfully while building a good reputation.

Here are ten tips that will make navigation of the corporate space more meaningful and fulfilling.

1. Go in Cautiously

Spend your first few weeks learning the culture and nuances of your new organisation. Every organization has a unique culture and successful navigation of that corporate space will depend on effective understanding of the dynamics and patterns that define that company. Once you grasp the culture, you can tailor your behaviour, communication, and contributions to align well without losing your authenticity. Do not make the mistake of trying to impress or stand out without first learning the lay of the land. Culture fit is often as important as competence.

2. Master the Art of Communication

As a new and junior hire, you will interact with senior leaders, peers, and subordinates. Learn to communicate with clarity, respect, and empathy. When reporting to a boss, focus on being concise, solution-oriented, and proactive. When working with peers, be collaborative and dependable. Listen more than you speak and always think and re-read before hitting “send.” Poor communication, lousy email etiquette and carelessness have led to many career nosedives and job losses.

3. Build Relationships, Not Alliances

Office politics is real, but as a new employee, I would advise that you be very slow in getting into it. Instead of choosing sides or gossiping, aim to build positive relationships with a broad range of colleagues. Be known for your integrity, friendliness, and willingness to help. This will create a web of support and trust that will help you grow.

4. Exhibit willingness to learn

No one expects you to know everything, but you’ll quickly earn respect if you show curiosity and a willingness to learn. Ask thoughtful questions. Take notes and try not to repeat a mistake. Read up on your industry. Learn to use relevant productivity tools. At the same time, be open to unlearning old habits or beliefs that may not serve you in your new environment. Growth is the reward of the teachable mind.

5. Manage Your Time and Priorities

Burnout often starts with poor prioritization, not workload. As an assistant executive, you’re likely to be handling a variety of tasks: scheduling meetings, preparing reports, assisting your boss, and liaising with different departments. Use a to-do list or digital planner to manage your responsibilities. Understand what’s urgent versus what’s important and learn to seek help when your table is full.

6. Dress Smartly Always

I once had a young legal executive that worked in my unit. He was always smartly dressed … and he spoke well too. After observing him for a while and seeing his consistency, I recommended and drafted him into any impromptu meeting that involved external stake holders. After a while, his immediate boss picked courage and asked why I always ‘favoured’ the young man. I told him that first impressions matter, and in corporate settings, your appearance speaks before you open your mouth. Of course, that changed things and saw everyone else in that department making efforts to look the part. You don’t need to spend extravagantly, just aim to look neat, confident, and professional. Observe how senior colleagues dress and let that inform your own choices.

7. Document Everything

Many say that documentation is insurance, double assurance. Yes, it is important. Documentation helps keep record and corrects errors before they get a long root. Whether it’s a decision made in a meeting, a task assigned to you, or an agreement with a vendor, always follow up with a summary email. Keep a log of your tasks, completed assignments, and feedback received. Documentation will save you from confusion, disputes, and distortions that come from memory lapses.

8. Guard Your Reputation

You are building a personal brand within the organization – one that will speak for you in rooms you have never entered. Be known for something positive: dependability, creativity, attention to detail, or resourcefulness. Keep your word. Show up on time. Avoid office gossip. And if you make a mistake, own it and fix it.

9. Be Visible, Not Loud

There’s a difference between visibility and noise. You don’t need to shout to be noticed. Instead, share ideas in meetings, volunteer for tasks, celebrate small wins, and let your work speak. Ensure that your boss and other relevant stakeholders are aware of your contributions. Use monthly updates to remind them of your progress. Silent excellence is noble, but in the corporate world, it often goes unrewarded.

10. Start Now to Think Like a Leader

You’re an assistant executive today, but you must think like the chief executive you want to become. Begin to see things from a big-picture perspective. Ask: How does this task fit into the company’s goals? What can be improved? What’s the risk here? Thinking this way sets you apart and prepares you for leadership roles sooner than expected. It is said that the best way to get promoted is to start acting like the person who deserves it.

In conclusion, your goal in these early years isn’t just to survive, earn your pay and be promoted; it is to learn, systematically build your credibility, and earn your place in the corporate world. You don’t have to get everything right straight away. What matters more is that you stay humble, hungry, and honourable.

Cheers!

Fatherhood with Ibe

BLESSINGS ARE NOT ALWAYS OBVIOUS

My wife, Betty and I had had one of those awful nights. Alzheimer has its unpredictable downs. In the afternoon, we had given her one of her new vogue intravenous medications  touted to be able to begin reversing the ailment. But just as we finished, her restlessness soared and with it, her blood pressure. She looked weak and uncomfortable.

“Maybe we need to take you to hospital.” I suggested even though with a resident nurse and two experienced minders we knew what to do and had already kicked into action.

“No need for that, love.” She replied, finally settling into a seat. “What are they going to do that you cannot do? I trust and believe in you, my love.” She said.

I sat down next to her, my eyes brimming with unshed tears.

“I am Mrs. K. Mrs Kachikwu,” she informed me like I needed reminding after forty years of marriage.

“Of course, I know, love.” I replied, smiling at her and hoping I can disperse whatever trauma she was battling inside.

“I just want you to take me home, to Ruxton road, Ikoyi,” she said, gripping my left palm with her shaky jerky right hand.

“This is your home, love.” I replied. “We are in your room.”

“Yes, we are in my room,” she replied, nodding several times, “so I need you to take me home.”

The disorientation happens quite often but it still always breaks my heart.

She stood up for the umpteenth time to begin walking around the house. This time, rather than restrain her, I joined her in the walk. Perhaps, I told myself, the walk will wear her down and she will finally sleep. But it didn’t.

We were on that for a while when I got a call from the wife of a friend of mine who had been diagnosed with cancer. She said he was going through a crisis.

‘What happened, Bisi? I saw him last week.” I said to the terribly flustered wife. She was too distraught to elaborate.

I left my wife with the minders and rushed off to my friend’s home. At my instruction, my driver drove like a man possessed. We got to Cameron road, Ikoyi shortly but what I saw chilled me to the bones.  In just the few days since our last meeting, my friend had lost use of his legs. He was crawling on the floor, ripping off his own hair in agony and begging me to force his family doctor to help him die and escape the excruciating pains he was going through.

I was stunned and shaken with fears. I sat next to him on the floor and wept. Then I got a hold of myself, bundled him into a car and we raced off to Redington hospital. Later that night, the doctors proclaimed that his intestinal cancer was in a tragic state and said he had less than two months to live.

I got home six hours later. I looked into Betty’s room and she was fast asleep with her maid next to her. I took one look at her tired slumbered face and I realised that even with all the challenges of her illness, I was still lucky and needed to be thankful to God.

I crept back to my room, knelt down and prayed like I have never done.

“Lord, please heal Betty. But also thank you for where we are.” I didn’t know when I started to weep as I asked God to have mercy on us both.

Betty’s birthday is coming up soon, on the 25th of April after Easter and I have promised God that I will do something to celebrate her despite our challenges….

In all situations we have to thank God.

***Happy Easter season to you all!!